IEC says first day of special voting back on track after Cape Town ballot delays

Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo says the Commission is satisfied with how the first day of special voting concluded on Monday, despite ballot paper delays that left voting stations in Cape Town unable to open on time.

Earlier on Monday, the IEC briefed the nation that special voting was proceeding smoothly across the country, with the exception of some voting stations in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality.

"There were some voting stations which delayed opening in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality, due to late distribution of ballot papers," Mamabolo said.

In a follow-up media briefing on Monday evening, the Commission confirmed the logistical snag had been resolved.

"We are pleased to announce that subsequently, all affected voting stations opened and remained operational," Mamabolo said.

The first day of special voting concluded at 17h00 on Monday, 2 November.

Mamabolo said the day's outcome has set a platform for the remainder of the elections.

"The Commission is satisfied that the day's proceedings creates a solid basis for improved performance on day two of special votes and on election day," he said.

"The Commission is grateful for the cooperation of voters, candidates and political parties throughout the day. We also appreciate the commitment of thousands of election officials who worked at voting stations and those who conducted home visits."

The disruption in Cape Town had triggered sharp criticism from political parties earlier in the day. The EFF questioned the IEC's readiness, claiming more than 217 voting stations were affected, while voters in other provinces reported rain-related access problems in the Eastern Cape.

The IEC acknowledged that weather had complicated operations, with rainy conditions reported in the King Sabata Dalindyebo District and hot weather persisting in other provinces.

"Voters are encouraged to monitor weather patterns in their areas and take precautionary measures to exercise their vote in safety," Mamabolo said.

The Commission is now turning its focus to the final day of special voting on Tuesday.

"The Commission calls upon all approved voters who have not yet cast their special votes to do so tomorrow, Tuesday, 3 November 2026. Voting stations will open at 08h00 and close at 17h00," Mamabolo said.

"This is the final opportunity for special voting after which voters may only be able to vote on 4 November 2026 at the same voting stations they are registered."

Home visits will also continue. The IEC said its officials will continue conducting approved home visits on Tuesday for eligible voters who could not be reached on Monday.

"The Commission urges these voters to remain at the address as reflected on their approved home visit application to ensure that officials are able to locate them and facilitate the casting of their special votes," Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo also issued a stern warning about conduct at voting stations and during home visits.

"The Commission reminds voters to observe the Do's and Don'ts at voting stations to safeguard the secrecy, integrity and orderly conduct of the voting process. Voters are reminded that making a photographic image of marked ballot papers is strictly prohibited," he said.

"Voters must mark their ballot papers in private, in the designated voting compartments, and follow the instructions of election officials throughout the process."

He said campaigning, canvassing, intimidating or attempting to influence voters inside voting stations is not permitted.

The Commission further appealed for protection of its field staff, after reports of confrontations during home visits.

"The Commission further appeals to members of the public and political party supporters to refrain from interfering with electoral staff conducting home visits. Confronting the electoral staff during the course of duty makes it difficult for them to reach voters at approved addresses," Mamabolo said.

"Members of the public are also reminded that it is a criminal offence to intimidate electoral staff, to take unauthorized pictures of these officials and posting them on social media."